Consultant
Michael Kern
MPA
Michael has over 30 years of experience helping individuals and groups from diverse backgrounds and interests resolve conflicts and reach common ground. In addition to a Master of Public Administration degree, Michael holds a fine arts background, which adds a creative mindset to his approach. He specializes in finding innovative approaches and getting groups “unstuck.” He has a strong regional, national, and international reputation in the field of collaborative governance. His areas of expertise include: Facilitation, mediation, conflict resolution, assessment, organizational development, and related training.
From 2010-21, Michael was Director of the William D. Ruckelshaus Center at Washington State University (WSU) and the University of Washington (UW), an organization dedicated to developing collaborative and durable solutions to complex public policy challenges. Under his leadership, the Center tripled its budget, endowment, and core faculty/staff. It successfully conducted collaborative projects that proved the value of an independent convener to create lasting, consensus solutions.
Prior to leading the Ruckelshaus Center, Michael was a Senior Associate at Triangle Associates Inc., providing facilitation, mediation, project management, and other services. He has also provided these services at nonprofit and academic institutions. Michael began working with In-Accord in the mid-2020’s.
In a project that showcases his work, he helped a board and its long-serving director interact productively after office turmoil led to conflict and staff turnover. The result was an amicable parting of ways and a successful transition to a new director.
In his free time, Michael can be found hiking, backpacking, playing racquetball, listening to audiobooks and podcasts, making linocuts with one son, and waiting with the other one for the Seattle Mariners to one day win the World Series.
Contact Information
Email:
Mkern@inaccordnw.com
Expertise:
Mediation, Conflict Resolution, Facilitation, Trainer
